Several years ago, Dr. B R Ambedkar said: "The anti-Semitism of the Nazis against the Jews is in no way different in ideology and in effect from the Sanatanism (orthodoxy?) of Hindus against the untouchables." This is the age of Dalit resurgence, but atrocities on dalits continue unabated. This blog will carry (primarily English) media reports on dalit self-assertion and violations of their rights.

Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Mr Alok Shekhar, District Magistrate, today ordered a magisterial probe into a complaint lodged by the Dalit Dasta Virodhi Andolan in connection with an attack on a Dalit farm labourer by a landlord.

Mr Shekhar said that PGO, Mansa, had been directed to conduct a probe into the contents of the complaint made to him by Mr Karamjit Singh, president, the Dalit Dasta Virodhi Andolan and submit the report at the earliest.

Mr Karamjit Singh in his complaint alleged that a Dalit farm labourer of Mojo Khurd village was injured after he was attacked by a landlord with a spade. Though the injured Balbir Singh was admitted to hospital, he was not being given proper treatment at the Civil Hospital.

He alleged that the police in connivance with a section of Civil Hospital officials was trying to hush up the matter.

He said Balbir Singh was bonded labourer and his organisation was trying to get him freed from the clutches of the landlord. He also demanded that the medical examination of Balbir Singh should be conducted by a board of doctors and his statement recorded only in the presence of a responsible officer.

Mr S.S. Srivastva, SSP, when contacted, said he had been seized of the matter and action would be taken as per law.

Dr Hardev Singh, officiating Civil Surgeon, when contacted, pointed out that examination by a medical board could be done only with the permission of a Magistrate. He added that Balbir Singh was getting proper treatment and whatever injuries he had suffered had been mentioned accordingly in his medico-legal report.